Category: Blog

History: Solo Piping in Edinburgh in the 1960s

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

Once more underlining the critical importance of reports of piping competitions, a sadly dying art, we have this from the Oban Times of November 1967. We presume it is by their then Piping Correspondent John MacFadyen. Look out for the names of George Lumsden who passed away last week, and Malcolm McRae who tonight delivers the latest in the Piobaireachd Society’s popular ‘Talk Piobaireachd’ lectures…. The third annual piping competitions…

More History: Solo Piping in Edinburgh in the 1960s

John Hughes 1956-2024

Posted on      by      1 Comment

The pipe band community worldwide has been shocked to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of John Hughes on 21st January 2024.  John had been a high-profile official in the RSPBA, and a recognised figure at major championships and local competitions, for many years.  There have already been many tributes to John for his tireless work for the Association and its Lothian and Borders Branch.  It was particularly unfortunate…

More John Hughes 1956-2024

Tributes for John Hughes, Former President of the RSPBA

Posted on      by      3 Comments

The RSPBA have announced the sudden death of former President John Hughes. In a statement the Association said: ‘It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend, John Hughes. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and the family during this difficult time.’ The news has come as a great shock to the pipe band fraternity. John was latterly…

More Tributes for John Hughes, Former President of the RSPBA

Editor’s Notebook: Band Sizes & Major Champs./ Florida Academy/ Balvenie Medal/ D Naill Prices/ Military Tunes

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

The RSPBA should be in no doubt about the concern out there as regards the ‘Missing Majors’ and band sizes. The comments keep coming in to PP. Unfortunately the recent ones are all anonymous, so of course the impact is lessened. People complain of the lack of transparency at the Association then they correspond anonymously! I think they believe their band will suffer if they go public with their thoughts….

More Editor’s Notebook: Band Sizes & Major Champs./ Florida Academy/ Balvenie Medal/ D Naill Prices/ Military Tunes

History: The London Championship of 1968, John MacFadyen, P/M Angus, Ian Cameron, Bob Brown, Ed Neigh, in the Prizes

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

This is from the ‘London Correspondent’ of the Oban Times. The contest was held at Buckingham Gate on April 6 that year. Pictured above is John MacFadyen with the Bratach Gorm….. In the piobaireachd for the Bratach Gorm. the winner for the third successive year, was John MacFadyen, Glasgow, with an outstanding performance of the Red Speckled Bull. Second was Robert U. Brown, Balmoral, with another excellent rendition of Patrick…

More History: The London Championship of 1968, John MacFadyen, P/M Angus, Ian Cameron, Bob Brown, Ed Neigh, in the Prizes